Latest Releases
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Bipartisan Housing Legislation Unanimously Passes Key Senate Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), the top Democrat on the Senate Housing Subcommittee, announced that two of her major bipartisan bills aimed at combatting America’s housing crisis were included in a package that passed unanimously (24 – 0) out of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee. Smith’s bills were focused on rural housing and combatting homelessness. The package of bills that passed the committee earlier today, the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025, represents the first comprehensive national legislation on housing since the 2008 financial crisis. “The lack of safe, decent, affordable housing in this country is a choice that we’re making, but with this new legislative package, we’re choosing a different path. For the first time in over a decade, this committee is taking bipartisan action to cut red tape, boost the supply of housing, lower housing costs, and improve how we tackle homelessness in ways that best work for individual communities,” said Senator Smith. “The biggest share of the average Minnesotan’s monthly budget is their rent or their mortgage. Taking action on the housing crisis is one of the best ways we can make life more affordable and better for families, because if you don’t have a safe, decent, affordable place to live, nothing else in your life works.” Smith’s legislation included: At the committee meeting, Senator Smith spoke and acknowledged that this bill is not the bill that either side would have written alone, as it is the product of
U.S. Senators Tina Smith, Patty Murray, Representatives Friedman, Williams and Pappas Introduce New Legislation to Restore Federal Funding to Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, a bicameral bill that repeals President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) provision that bans Medicaid reimbursements for health services provided at Planned Parenthood clinics. The OBBB provision has already put nearly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics at risk of closure, endangering access to health care for more than two million patients across the country. Identical legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30), Chris Pappas (NH-1) and Nikema Williams (GA-5). “I worked at Planned Parenthood. I saw how controlling your own health care allows you to make the best decisions about the course of your life – your education, your work and your family,” said Senator Smith.“Planned Parenthood offers so much more than abortion services. In many communities it is the only clinic to provide cancer screenings, birth control, and STI screening. This bill takes a critical step to restore Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, to ensure these clinics are equipped with the resources they need to provide essential health care, and to give patients back the right to choose their health care provider.” “Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of healthcare in communities all across our nation and it’s under direct attack. This bill will reverse a cruel, politically motivated ban on Medicaid payments that’s jeopardizing access to not just reproductive healthcare, but cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and more,” said Representative Laura Friedman. “We’re fighting to ensure
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mora Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mora Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $210,780 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include rebuilding and updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 4,794 feet of paved runway which has met the end of its useful life. “Mora Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Kanabec County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement. “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Duluth International Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Duluth International Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $9,478,180 to reconstruct 10,600 feet of Taxiway A. The pavement on Taxiway A has reached the end of its useful life and it no longer meets current FAA standards. The Duluth International Airport is undertaking a phased, multiyear project to reconstruct the taxiway. “Duluth International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses across Northeast Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates so that the airfield meets the needs of
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Crookston Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Crookston Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $455,192 for a new 418 foot taxiway to provide airfield access to the site of a future hangar to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction. “Crookston Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Polk County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”
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